Baseball inserter for pitching machines

Abstract

A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order. The computer has memory capability for storing pitches corresponding to any pitcher's typical pitch pattern and the system includes video, audio and data recording to record each batting session. An alignment system is included utilizing a laser light source. A remote control is also provided for the batter or his coach. A manual baseball inserter is disclosed for use with other pitching machines.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a baseball pitching machine including counterrotating wheels for pitching a seamed baseball with a particular seam orientation to be pitched from between the wheels and including motor means for driving the counterrotating wheels and yoke means for mounting the counterrotating wheels with an opening area therebetween for receiving a baseball to be pitched; a baseball inserter comprising a ball gripper having a pair of jaws for grasping a baseball;   said jaws being resilient for holding a baseball;   a shaft for supporting said baseball gripper for reciprocal movement from an outward position for loading a baseball in said jaws and an inward position for allowing the counterrotating wheels of the pitching machine to engage the baseball;   means mounting said shaft for reciprocal movement toward and away from said counterrotating wheels with said pair of jaws being in non-interfering relationship with said counterrotating wheels; and   said resilient jaws allowing release of a baseball held within said jaws upon engagement of the baseball with the counterrotating wheels while maintaining the particular seam orientation of the baseball.   
     
     
       2. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 1 including means mounting said baseball inserter on said yoke whereby any change in orientation of said yoke and said counterrotating wheels is reflected in the orientation of said baseball inserted. 
     
     
       3. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ball gripper includes stop means between said jaws for limiting the extent of insertion of a baseball within said ball gripper. 
     
     
       4. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said baseball gripper is an integral resilient member. 
     
     
       5. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said laws are pivotally spring loaded with respect to said ball gripper. 
     
     
       6. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 3 wherein said stop means is rigidly positioned relative to said shaft. 
     
     
       7. A baseball inserter comprising: a baseball gripper having a pair of jaws for grasping a seamed surface baseball;   said jaws resiliently holding a baseball;   a shaft for supporting said baseball gripper for reciprocal movement from one position for loading a baseball in said jaws and a second position for insertion in a baseball pitching machine to engage the baseball;   said pair of jaws gripping a baseball on opposite sides thereof for non-interfering relationship with a baseball pitching machine; and   said resilient jaws allowing release of a baseball held within said jaws upon engagement of the baseball with the baseball pitching machine while maintaining the seam orientation of the baseball as inserted into said jaws.   
     
     
       8. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 7 wherein said jaws are formed integrally as a part of said baseball gripper; and said baseball gripper including stop means for limiting the insertion of a baseball into said baseball gripper.   
     
     
       9. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 7 wherein said baseball gripper includes a head member secured to said shaft wherein said jaws are pivotally secured to said head member; means biasing said jaws in a baseball holding direction; and   said head member including stop means for limiting the insertion of a baseball in said jaws.   
     
     
       10. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 7 for use with baseball pitching apparatus for seamed surface baseballs wherein said jaws include outer and inner surfaces; and said inner surfaces being concave and dimensioned to conform to a substantial length of the surface of a baseball to grip its surface and maintain its seam orientation while the baseball is being inserted into a baseball pitching apparatus.   
     
     
       11. A baseball inserter in accordance with claim 7 for use with baseball pitching apparatus for seamed surface baseballs wherein said stop means includes an inner surface; and said inner surface being configured to engage the surface of a baseball to aid in the gripping a baseball and maintaining a selected seam orientation of the baseball in cooperation with said jaws while the baseball is being inserted into a baseball pitching apparatus.